RFID system

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an automated system for asset tracking and management and utilizes near field Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology. RFID tags are attached to the assets via a flexible mounting system, and RFID antennas (and corresponding readers) are strategically located in close proximity to read the tags. As applied to a rack or cabinet, near-field antennas are mounted along one of the mounting posts at each rack unit location such that when a piece of equipment (rack mounted or rail mounted) is installed at a particular rack unit space, the tag will be read and registered in an RFID management system. A magnetic field shaping arrangement ensures that crosstalk between adjacent rack positions is prevented. Ferrite elements are used to control the magnetic field.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/276,505, filed Oct. 19, 2011; which in turn claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/394,924, filed Oct. 20,2010, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to asset tracking systems, and moreparticularly to Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) systems thatemploy ferrite material to shape the magnetic field pattern of anantenna-like source or detector

Asset tracking within Data Centers is important for the assistance ininventory audits, physical location identification of assets thatrequire repair or de-commissioning, and for rack environmentalmanagement. The industry currently addresses this problem largely by theimplementation of manual techniques (handwritten or Excel®spreadsheet-based physical location of assets). Some data centermanagers have improved upon these techniques by incorporating barcodesystems into their asset tracking methods. Nevertheless, the bar codemethods are manually implemented, and therefore have cost and accuracyissues, notwithstanding that they are certainly better than processesthat are completely manual.

There is, therefore, a need in the IT data center market for a systemthat tracks assets automatically. There are a number of solutions thatare emerging to satisfy this particular need (e.g., solutions that relyon wireless, GPS, image processing, and/or far field RFID). Anothermethod or technology for automatic asset tracking utilizes near fieldRFID technology and can resolve where a particular asset is located downto the rack unit level within a rack or cabinet.

RFID technology offers the following benefits over manual techniques: 1)an automated method of asset tracking and reporting; 2) a lower lifecycle cost; 3) numerous different types of rack IT assets that can betracked (e.g., patch panels, blanking panels, absence of equipment); 4)greater accuracy for asset rack unit location with accurate assetattributes; and 5) automated monitoring of rack inventory for accurateenvironmental management Important attributes for near-field RFIDmethods to gain wide acceptance in the market place are low cost andsimple installation (in existing and new data centers).

In using a near-filed RFID system, the RFID tag usually needs to belocated a specific distance with a specific orientation in relation tothe antenna array for the tag reader. However, many of the items ofequipment have various contoured front panels that are employed foraesthetic purposes or to provide various release mechanisms designed tofacilitate the removal of the asset from the cabinet. Due to thisvariety of contours, there needs to be an RFID system capable of beingretrofitted easily in a wide variety of enclosures and with a widevariety of equipment.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, there is provided an automated system that, when employedfor asset tracking and management, utilizes near field Radio FrequencyIDentification (RFID) technology. In accordance with this aspect of theinvention, RFID tags are attached to assets using a flexible mountingsystem, and RFID antennas (and corresponding readers) are strategicallylocated in close proximity to read the tags. To apply an RFID system toa rack or cabinet, near-field antennas are mounted along one of themounting posts at each rack unit location such that when a piece ofequipment (rack mounted or rail mounted) is installed at a particularrack unit space, the tag will be read and registered in an RFIDmanagement system.

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of trackingequipment installed on a rack. The method includes attaching an RFID tagto a mounting portion of the equipment using a flexible mounting system;attaching an antenna system to the rack, the antenna system issuing amagnetic field that impinges upon the RFID tag; and shaping the magneticfield issued by the antenna system in response to a distance between theantenna system and the RFID tag.

In one embodiment of this aspect, the step of attaching an antennasystem to the rack is performed on a mounting post of the rack. In oneembodiment of this aspect, the step of attaching an RFID tag isperformed on a mounting ear of the equipment in close proximity of themounting post of the rack.

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofmanufacturing a RFID tag. The method includes attaching a RFIDintegrated circuit to a first printed circuit board and bonding thefirst printed circuit board to a substrate. In one embodiment of thisaspect, the first printed circuit board is a flex printed circuit board,whereby an RFID strap is formed. In some embodiments, prior toperforming the step of bonding the first printed circuit board to asubstrate there are provided the further steps of adhering the flexprinted circuit board to an antenna flex printed circuit board, to forman inlay and adhering the inlay to a substrate.

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a system forprotecting equipment that is to be installed on a rack. The systemincludes a near field RFID tag installed in a mounting portion of theequipment that is to be protected. There is additionally provided anantenna array installed on the rack in predetermined relation to thenear field RFID tag for issuing a magnetic field. In one embodiment ofthis aspect, there is further provided a magnetic field shapingarrangement for controlling the magnetic field issued by the antennaarray. The magnetic field shaping arrangement includes, in someembodiments, a ferrite element installed on the near field RFID tag. Inone embodiment, the magnetic field shaping arrangement is provided witha ferrite member installed in the vicinity of the antenna array distalfrom the near field RFID tag.

The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appendedclaims and is not affected by the statements within this summary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention.

FIGS. 1a to 1d depict simplified isometric and plan representations of aspecific illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2a to 2c depict simplified schematic and isometric representationsthat are useful in describing a near field magnetic coupling techniquethat is used to communicate between an antenna array and an IT equipmenttag, in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 3a to 3d depict plan and side view simplified representationsuseful to describe a construction that utilizes ferrite material formagnetic field shaping of an antenna array module and an IT equipmenttag for a rack-unit-based near field RFID system, in accordance with theinvention;

FIGS. 4a to 4d depict simplified schematic representations of magnetfield lines between an antenna array and an IT equipment tag for theembodiments with and without a ferrite material within the IT equipmenttag;

FIGS. 5a to 5c depict graphical and simplified isometric representationsthat are useful to illustrate the RFID system sensitivity as a functionof physical proximity between a printed circuit board (PCB) antenna andthe IT equipment tag;

FIG. 6 depicts a simplified schematic representation of the shape of thenear field magnetic field pattern;

FIG. 7 depicts a simplified representation that is useful to illustratethe components of a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention offar field IT equipment RFID tags, as well as an illustrativemanufacturing technique;

FIGS. 8a and 8b depict an IT equipment tag that consists of twosections, and the optimization of the circuit to achieve maximum powertransfer from the source into the IC load;

FIGS. 9a and 9b depict a specific illustrative embodiment of a tag inwhich the reactance of an antenna and the input impedance of an RFID ICcancel one other;

FIGS. 10a to 10d depict a specific illustrative embodiment of an ITequipment RFID tag in which ferrite is used to enhance received coupledpower;

FIGS. 11a and 11b depict structural representations of a furtherspecific illustrative embodiment of an IT equipment RFID tag thatemploys ferrite to enhance the received coupled power; and

FIGS. 12a and 12b depict yet another illustrative embodiment of an ITequipment RFID tag that employs ferrite to enhance the received coupledpower.

FIG. 13 shows the parts for a flexible RFID mounting system.

FIG. 14 shows the flexible mounts of FIG. 13 formed in various shapes.

FIGS. 15-17 shows the flexible mounts of FIG. 13 attached to variouspieces of IT equipment.

FIG. 18A shows a cut-away perspective view of one embodiment of anantenna array system.

FIG. 18B shows a cross-sectional view of the antenna array system ofFIG. 18A taken along line 18B-18B of FIG. 18A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1a to 1d , simplified isometric and planrepresentations of a specific illustrative embodiment of the inventionare depicted along with an illustrative asset tracking system. FIG. 1aillustrates the use of RFID at the rack unit level of granularity. Morespecifically, RFID tagged equipment is illustrated in use with a rackunit 110.

The technique of the present invention relies on near field magneticcoupling between an antenna array 112 mounted on the racks mounting post114 and an RFID tag 120 that is installed on RFID tagged equipment 130.Referring to FIG. 1b , there is shown in isometric representation RFIDtag 120 that is attached to IT equipment 130 that mounts in the rack.FIGS. 1a through 1d illustrate two key components of the RFIDrack-unit-based asset tracking management system of the presentinvention, specifically antenna array 112 and RFID tag 120 attached tothe IT equipment. Antenna array 112, which as stated is mounted onto theracks mounting post 114, contains one near field coupling antenna 132(or sensor) per rack unit space. The IT equipment tags are mounted asshown on the IT equipment assets that are to be tracked. These tags canbe placed on equipment that is mounted on a rail 140, as shown in FIG.1b , or mounted on a post 150, as shown in FIG. 1c . Since the ITequipment RFID tags are typically mounted on metallic surfaces, such assurface 155 shown in FIG. 1d , the performance of a tag directly on ametallic surface will be poor unless special design considerations areapplied.

Referring again to FIGS. 1a to 1d , when an equipment asset is mountedonto the rack, the previously provisioned RFID tag mounted on equipmentmounting ear 160 is interrogated by a reader (not shown in this figure)via post mounted antenna array 112. The reader reports that a piece ofequipment has been inserted into a particular rack at a particular rackunit level to an asset tracking management software. Conversely, whenthe equipment is removed from the rack, the reader also notifies theasset tracking management software (not shown). RFID tags 120 are, insome embodiments, located on the equipment's mounting ears 160 as shownin FIGS. 1a through FIG. 1d . As indicated above, these equipment tagscommunicate to an RFID reader via the post-mounted antennas.

Through the application of this RFID technology, assets within a datacenter (not shown) can be effectively and automatically tracked andmanaged. The RFID tags can be mounted on both active and passiveequipment that is either front-post-mounted or rail-mounted. The RFIDantennas can be mounted at each rack unit location in close proximity tothe tagged equipment. This technique allows automatic detection of anytagged equipment that is mounted within the rack. Software can then beutilized to provide a complete and visible configuration of the rack.(Sub-equipment assets like line cards and blade servers are detectableusing extensions of the present RFID system. Alternatively, suchsub-equipment assets are detectable with the use of equipment chassisnetwork interfaces, such as Integrated Product Lifecycle Management(IPLM) systems.

The RFID tags discussed above for automatic rack unit detection utilizenear-field coupling to establish the detection and communication betweena reader and an equipment tag. The definition of electromagneticnear-field and far-field modes of operation is generally related to thedistance between the source antenna and the measuring point or region.The near field region is typically within a radius much less than itswavelength r<<λ, while the far field region is typically outside aradius much greater than its wavelength r>>λ. Since the most common RFIDhigh-frequency signal transmits at about 900 MHz in free space, thewavelength is about 33.3 cm (13.1 in). For this frequency range, theregions are defined as follows: Near Field, r<1-2 in. and far field,r>5-10 ft. It is to be noted that it is a misnomer to use the phrase“near-field antenna,” as this falsely implies that an electromagneticwave is launched. In reality, this mechanism is preferably described asa magnetic coupling method.

Characterization of the magnetic field shape that the antenna emits andthe preferred magnetic field shapes that the tag is optimized to areimportant to the overall performance of the system.

FIG. 2 is useful to depict the near field magnetic coupling techniquethat is used in the practice of the invention to communicate between theantenna array and the IT equipment tag. Elements of structure that havepreviously been discussed are similarly designated. As shown in FIG. 2a, magnetic field 210 is generated by a current (not shown) on a trace215 on PCB 220 of antenna array 112 that couples with the IT equipmenttag's antenna. It is to be noted that the shape of the magnetic fieldpattern is dependent upon various parameters, illustratively includingthe dimensions and permeability of a ferrite 225 that is placed behindthe current-carrying trace. The length, width, and height of the currentcarrying trace 215 on the PCB, and any metallic surfaces behind theferrite, such as metal enclosure 230, or on the PCB in front of thecurrent carrying trace, will influence the shape and intensity of themagnetic field.

The antenna formed by the current carrying trace on the PCB isimplemented as shown in FIG. 2b . As shown in FIG. 2b , trace 215 isjuxtaposed to ferrite 225 and connected to a PCB transmission line 235.A ground plane 240 is schematically represented in FIG. 2 b.

An electrical equivalent model of this antenna is shown in FIG. 2c . Itis important in the practice of the invention that the antennas withinthe antenna array communicate robustly with their associated rack unitIT equipment tags and not with neighboring rack unit IT equipment tags.Hence the shape of the magnetic field generated by each antenna must beproperly designed. It is seen from this figure that the equivalentcircuit consists of an inductance L and a capacitance C arranged inseries with one another and with an impedance matching element 245.These electrical parameters are represented in FIG. 2 b.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the proposed construction that employs the useof ferrite material to enhance the coupling between the PCB antennaarray and the IT equipment tag. FIGS. 3a to 3d also depict schematicallyan IT equipment tag 120 for a rack-unit-based near field RFID system,constructed in accordance with the invention.

More specifically, FIGS. 3a to 3d are plan and side view simplifiedrepresentations useful to describe a construction that utilizes ferritematerial 225 for magnetic field shaping of an antenna array module 112.Elements of structure that have previously been discussed are similarlydesignated. More specifically, FIGS. 3a to 3d depict a preferredillustrative construction that utilizes ferrite material 225 formagnetic field shaping of an antenna array module 112 and an ITequipment RFID tag 120 for a rack unit based near field RFID system. Theantenna array module construction's top view is depicted in FIG. 3a andthe side view is depicted in FIG. 3 b.

FIG. 3a depicts plural circuit traces 215 which are coupled byrespectively associated switches S to a bus 310 that is provided with acoupler 315 that is coupled to receive and transmit RF energy to an RFsource (not shown).

The top view of the structure of IT equipment RFID tag 120 is depictedin FIG. 3c , and the side view is depicted in FIG. 3d . In both figures,a metal surface 320 is disposed in close proximity to traces 215 thatform antenna array 112. As depicted in FIG. 3c , copper trace 215 on PCB220 is coupled to an integrated circuit 325. In FIG. 3d , RFID tag 120is separated from metal surface 320 by a ferrite spacer 327 and a fillerspacer 330.

FIGS. 4a to 4d depict simplified schematic representations of magnetfield lines 210 between an antenna array and an IT equipment tag for theembodiments with and without a ferrite spacer 327 within the ITequipment tag. Elements of structure that have previously been discussedare similarly designated. The embodiment of FIG. 4a illustrates RFID tag120 separated from metallic surface 320 by an air spacer 410. Ferritespacer 327 underneath RFID tag 120 helps to increase the receivedcoupled power from the antenna array by “channeling” or “guiding” themagnetic field away from metallic surface 320. Thus, it is seen in theair spacer embodiment of FIG. 4a that magnet field lines 210 extend intometal surface 320.

The magnetic characteristics of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4a aredepicted in FIG. 4b . More specifically, such magnetic characteristicsare directed to the metallic material 320. The magnetic characteristicsof the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4c are depicted in FIG. 4d , and aredirected to the magnetic characteristics of the ferrite spacer 327.

FIGS. 5a to 5c depict graphical and simplified isometric representationsthat are useful to illustrate the RFID system sensitivity as a functionof physical proximity between antenna array 112 and the IT equipmentRFID tag 120. Elements of structure that have previously been discussedare similarly designated. The sensitivity of the system is plotted inthe graphical representation of FIG. 5a . When IT equipment RFID tag 120is placed within the area outlined in the RFID system sensitivity graphof FIG. 5a , the system will operate correctly. If the tag is placedoutside of this region, the tag may not operate satisfactorily. Theiso-curves depicted in FIG. 5a are dependent on the tags' physicalproximity to the antenna source as well as the overall construction ofthe system (e.g., the size of the ferrite core material, magnitude oftransmit power from the system reader, and the shape and position of thePCB trace that forms the antenna).

FIG. 6 depicts a simplified schematic representation of the shape of thenear field magnetic field pattern that is useful to summarize thepreferred operating distances for optimal system performance. It is tobe noted that the magnetic field shape is designed to provide toleranceto the actual position of the IT equipment RFID tag 120 while minimizingany crosstalk between rack unit positions. The magnetic field linesassociated with respective RFID tag 120 are represented in the figure bythe plural X in a circle 620. Outline 610 illustrates the safe operatingregion associated with RFID tag 120. This outline incorporates degreesof freedom corresponding to: PCB trace length, width, and position;ferrite core length, width, and position; proximity to metal behind theferrite; proximity to metal in front of the PCB trace; and magnitude ofthe transmission power level.

FIG. 7 depicts a far field IT equipment RFID tag 710 and an illustrativemanufacturing technique, according to one aspect of the invention. Thedepicted technique uses an RFID IC 720 soldered onto a Flex PCB assembly725 that is designated an “RFID strap.” The RFID strap is, in someembodiments, glued with electrically conductive adhesive (not shown)onto another flex PCB 730, that is termed the “antenna flex PCB.” It isto be noted that an RFID IC can be soldered directly onto the antennaflex PCB, thereby obviating the need for the herein-disclosed strapprocess when using appropriate manufacturing process technologies.Antenna flex PCB 730 implements either a far field antenna as shown inthe figure, or a near field antenna (not shown) depending upon thedesign of the antenna itself. The constructed assembly is termed an“inlay,” represented by inlay 750. An RFID tag is formed when inlay 750is bonded onto a substrate (not specifically designated). The inlayconstitutes a key component of the RFID tag of the present invention.The manufacturing process steps are illustrated by the function bocks inthis figure. Systems 755 and 757 are illustrative of products that aremanufactured in accordance with the disclosed manufacturing process.

FIGS. 8a and 8b depict an IT equipment RFID tag 820 that consists of twosections, and the optimization of the circuit to achieve maximum powertransfer from the source into the IC load. Referring to FIG. 8a , the ITequipment tag consists of two sections and hence is modeled in twosections, specifically a near field antenna 830 and an IC 840. Nearfield antenna 830 is modeled as an ideal receiver voltage source 832with a source resistance 834 and the reactance component 836 of theantenna itself. The IC has a complex input impedance 842 that can berepresented as a reactance and a resistance 844 that represents the loadof the IC. In FIG. 8b , when the IT equipment tag's complex antennaimpedance is matched to the complex input impedance of the IC, anoptimized circuit is achieved (i.e., maximum power transfer from thesource into the IC load occurs when X_(ANT) and X_(IC) are conjugates ofeach other and hence cancel). For example, if X_(ANT)=jωL andX_(IC)=1/jωC (=−j/ωC), then when L=1/C a cancellation will occur and thecircuit will have been reduced to a simple voltage divider, as depictedin FIG. 8 b.

FIGS. 9a and 9b depict an illustrative embodiment of a tag wherein thereactance impedance components of the antenna and the input of the RFIDIC cancel each other. Elements of structure that have previously beendiscussed are similarly designated. As depicted in FIG. 9a , theimpedance arising from the combination of resistance 934 inductance 936from the tag's loop antenna is designed to match (i.e., provide acomplex conjugate) the RFID IC's input impedance, which is the serialcombination of equivalence capacitance 942 and resistance 944, at anillustrative operating frequency of 900 MHz. As depicted in FIG. 9b ,the impedance of the tag's loop antenna is influenced by the environmentto which it is attached (not shown). In this figure, RFID tag 120 isinstalled on mounting ear 160 in the vicinity of a metallic surface 960.In the embodiment, mutual coupling M is essentially the result of mutualinductance. The components designated generally as 965 representparasitic capacitance and inductance.

FIGS. 10a to 10d depict a specific illustrative embodiment of an ITequipment RFID tag 1010 in which ferrite is used to enhance receivedcoupled power. A ferrite spacer 1015 is used under trace 1020 as shownin FIG. 10a to enhance the coupled power received by RFID tag 1010. Asshown, RFID tag 1010 is installed on mounting ear 160 of the ITequipment (not shown in this figure), which is itself installed onmounting post 114.

The tag antenna is formed by a PCB trace 1050 that connects to a tag IC1055 as shown in FIG. 10b . The PCB is attached (e.g., adhesive) to aplastic molded component as shown in FIG. 10d . A metallic rivetassembly having rivet portions 1030 and 1032, as shown in FIG. 10c , isinserted onto PCB-molded component assembly, which in this embodimentincludes a PCB element 1040 and a molded plastic spacer element 1045. Asshown, plastic spacer element 1045 in this specific illustrativeembodiment of the invention is provided with a cavity 1047 thataccommodates tag IC 1055.

The rivet assembly has two functions; first it allows the force from ascrew 1060 to transfer to metallic IT equipment mounting ear 160 andmounting post 114, and secondly it provides an electrical path from thethreaded holes in the mounting ear formed by the screw to connect to themetallic post. The function of this molded component is to capture theferrite material, protect the RFID tag, and provide a robust way for ascrew to be inserted through the module as shown in FIG. 10 c.

FIGS. 11a and 11b depict structural representations of a furtherspecific illustrative embodiment of an IT equipment RFID tag thatemploys ferrite 1110 to enhance the received coupled power. Ferrite 1110is, as previously discussed, employed in the structure shown in FIG. 11ato enhance the received coupled power. The ferrite is held in place bythe two outer PCBs 1120 and 1122 and metallic molded component 1130. Themetallic molded component has features incorporated in to protect theRFID tag and has a raised (proud) feature 1135 that will havefunctionality similar to that of the rivet assembly depicted in FIG. 10.In this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, feature 1135has a height above the surface of approximately 10 mil.

FIGS. 12a and 12b depict yet another illustrative embodiment an ITequipment RFID tag that employs ferrite to enhance the received coupledpower. FIG. 12a depicts mounting posts 1210 and 1212 that support ITequipment 1215. A ferrite 1220 serves to enhance the received coupledpower. The ferrite is held in place onto PCB 1225, which in thisembodiment is a single-sided PCB, by adhesive (not shown) or amechanical clip (not shown). A metallic washer 1230 is attached to thebottom of solder-coated PCB pad 1232 and functions in a manner analogousto that of the rivet assembly depicted in FIG. 10. Also in theembodiment of FIG. 12a , there is depicted a tag IC 1240 that isadjoined in this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention to afoam double sided tape 1245.

FIG. 12b depicts a RFID tag 1250 installed on mounting ear 1255 of theIT equipment. An antenna array 1260 also is mounted in mounting post1210. This figure additionally depicts a cross-sectional view, and analternative cross-sectional view taken along section A-A.

FIG. 13 shows the parts of one embodiment of a flexible mounting system1300 for an RFID tag. The parts include formable polycarbonate mount1301, double sided adhesive pad 1303, and RFID tag 1302. As shown inFIG. 14, formable polycarbonate mount 1301 can be bent and cut into avariety of shapes allowing the mounting of RFID tag 1302 to becustomized in the field for each application. This customization aids inmounting the tag at a proper orientation and distance for coupling withthe near field antenna of the antenna array. FIGS. 15-17 show flexiblemounting system 1300 applied to various pieces of IT equipment 1500,1600, 1700.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, formable polycarbonate mount1301 can be packaged partially preformed in the shape of a “T” with thetop of the “T” bent perpendicular to the rest. This allows the mount tobe installed in the field with fewer modifications for mostinstallations.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show one embodiment of an antenna array system thatcan be easily installed in many types of enclosures. Antenna arraysystem 1800 is composed of antenna extrusion 1802, antenna printedcircuit board (PCB) 1801, and magnetic strip 1803. Antenna extrusion1802 has notches 1808 running its length for retaining antenna PCB 1801and can be formed of aluminum. In one embodiment, Antenna extrusion 1802can have ridge 1805 running down its length for forming channel 1806which can be used to house cables and wires for connecting multiple PCBboards end to end. Antenna PCB 1801 contains circuitry and tracesnecessary for the antenna array. Magnetic strip 1803 can be secured toantenna extrusion 1802 opposite antenna PCB 1801. In one embodiment,magnetic strip 1803 can reside within recess 1804 on antenna extrusion1802.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader toquickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It issubmitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpretor limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in theforegoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features aregrouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than allfeatures of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims arehereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodimentsand implementations are possible within the scope of the invention.Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light ofthe attached claims and their equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for tracking equipment that isinstalled on a rack, the system comprising: a near field RFID taginstalled in a mounting portion of the equipment that is to be trackedvia a flexible mounting system wherein the RFID tag is installed via aflexible polycarbonate sheet and further includes at least one ferriteelement used to help shape a magnetic field; an antenna array installedon the rack in predetermined relation to the near field RFID tag foremitting a magnetic field, the antenna array also having at least oneferrite element used to shape a magnetic field, wherein the flexiblepolycarbonate sheet is sized and shaped in order to place the RFID tagat an optimum horizontal and vertical sensitivity distance based uponthe size of the ferrite elements.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein theformable polycarbonate sheet is partially preformed in the shape of a“T” with the top of the “T” bent perpendicular with the rest of thepolycarbonate sheet.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the flexiblemounting system also includes double-sided adhesive tape.
 4. The systemof claim 3 wherein the antennae array is mounted to a post in the rack.5. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one ferrite element of theRFID tag and the at least one ferrite element of the antenna array aresized and shaped in response to a distance between the RFID tag and theantenna array.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein the at least one ferriteelement of the RFID tag and the at least one ferrite element of theantenna array are shaped and sized in response to a distance betweenequipment installed on the rack.